Canoeing is the activity of paddling a canoe or kayak for the purpose of recreation, sport, or transportation. It usually refers exclusively to using a paddle to propel a canoe or kayak with only human muscle power. A kayak is propelled using a paddle with two blades where the paddler sits with their legs infront of them, whereas canoes are propelled using single- or double-bladed paddles where the paddler is kneeling or sitting on a raised seat. Kayaks are usually closed-decked boats with a spraydeck, while canoes are usually open boats. There are also open kayaks and closed canoes. Although somewhat confusing, the term canoeing is generally used as a generic term for both forms, though the term "paddle sports" is also used. In the United States and Canada, however, 'canoeing' usually refers only to canoes, as opposed to both canoes and kayaks. Paddling a kayak is also referred to as kayaking.
Open canoes may be 'poled' (punted), sailed, 'lined and tracked' (using ropes)or even 'gunnel-bobbed'.
In modern canoe sport, both canoes and kayaks may be closed-decked. Other than by the minimum competition specifications (typically length and width (beam))and seating arrangement it is difficult to differentiate most competition canoes from the equivalent competition kayaks. The most common difference is that competition kayaks are always seated, and competition canoes are generally kneeling. Exceptions include Canoe Marathon (in both European and American competitive forms) and sprint (high kneeling position). The most traditional and early canoes did not have seats, the padlers merely kneeled on the bottom of the boat. Recreational or 'canadian' canoes employ seats and whitewater rodeo and surf variants increasingly employ the use of 'saddles' to give greater boat control under extreme conditions.
More on [ Canoeing ]

Declan Burke - Provides pictures and descriptions of rivers and surf locations in Ireland and reviews of his trips to France and Italy. Also includes kayaking links.
Eli Helbert - Official site of Whitewater Rodeo Open Canoe World Champion 1999-2001 with FAQ, What is Whitewater Rodeo? from the open canoeist's perspective, videos, photos, and links.
Meta Description: [ Whitewater Open Canoe Rodeo World Champion Eli Helbert ]
Extreme Freestyle - A group of British paddlers who enjoy freestyle whitewater kayaking. Includes member profiles and reports on favorite play spots in Canada.
Meta Description: [ Freestyle Team, Freestyle News, Media Gallery ]
Hannu Kaukola - Official site includes a brief biography, news, photo gallery and sponsors of this paddler from the Finland. [Finnish and English]
Meta Description: [ Flatwater sprint paddler Hannu Kaukolas ]
Lennart Bergstrom - Information on renting a kayak in Sweden and photos from coastal tris.
Mackenzie, Alexander - John Donaldson retraces the sea to sea voyages of Sir Alexander Mackenzie. Canoe Odyssey.
Meta Description: [ Retracing the sea to sea voyages of Sir Alexander Mackenzie (Prince of Explorers) www.canoe-odyssey.com ]
Ocmulgee Adventure - Personal account of a trip along Georgia's Ocmulgee River beginning at Lake Jackson.
Planet Kayak - Jonathan Shanin's official site. Jonathan is the United States' prospect to become the fastest distance paddler in the world.
Meta Description: [ Jonathan Shanin is the premier US marathon kayaker. Jonathan Shanin is a degreed Naval Architect specializing in the advancement of kayak design. ]
Sea Kayaking Norway - Record of a trip to the Norwegian fjord of Sognefjord which is north of Bergen, undertaken by five people in 2001.
Stuart McIntosh - Official site of the British canoe slalom athlete provides personal and sporting information. Also offers a message board for discussions.
Tao Berman - Extreme kayaker provides biography, photographs and information on availability for public speaking.
Tom Hollis - Record of kayaking trips, polo games, and a project to make a computer model of whitewater.
Meta Description: [ tomhollis.co.uk record of canoeing and electronics projects including PhD work ]
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